Long-time activist, Atima Omara-Alwala, of Arlington, has announced her candidacy for the presidency of the Young Democrats of America (YDA.)
If elected, Omara-Alwala will be the first African American at the helm of YDA in its 80 year history.
“YDA needs a leader that will maximize its history and connections to the established Democratic Party to provide real value to its membership,” says Atima Omara-Alwala, current vice president of YDA. “In the new world filled with progressive organizations supporting civil rights and social justice for all Americans more than ever, young people are at the emerging forefront of this struggle and YDA is in a position to be a forum in which young people can amplify their voices.”
Omara-Alwala is also a first generation immigrant; both of her parents moved to the United States from Uganda.
“Atima is a remarkable young woman with superior leadership skills and political intuition,” says Delegate Charniele Herring, Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia. “I had the opportunity to work with Atima when she ran by first primary and I’ve come to respect her as a top leader for young people and the African American community.”
Omara-Alwala has served young Democrat chapters at the local, state and national level. She currently serves as a vice president of YDA and formerly served as Mid-Atlantic Region Director and chair of YDA’s Women’s Caucus. She also served as Virginia’s national committeewomen, chair of the Virginia Young Democrats (VAYD) Women’s Caucus.
“I am thrilled to see a member of the Virginia Young Democrats running to head our national organization,” says Isaac Sarver, VAYD president. “Atima is a dedicated, hard-working individual who has worked tirelessly to elect Democrats, defend the principles of our party, and to support young people’s involvement in Democratic politics.”
Omara-Alwala first came to YDA nine years ago as the representative of VAYD; since she has been highly involved in YDA leadership and advocating on issues affecting young people, minorities, immigrates and women.
